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TL;DR Packing List Detailed Checklist 7‑Day Prep Timeline Arrival & First Night Meals & Medications Safety & Hygiene Updates & Comms Pickup & Aftercare Postcode Coverage Memberships Woof Club Boarding Related Reading

TL;DR: Dog Boarding Packing List (Woof Club)

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Boarding Essentials: What to Pack for a Calm Woof Club Stay

  • Everyday gear: lead, harness, ID tag, poo bags.
  • Comfort: bed/blanket + 1–2 safe toys (no squeakers for bedtime).
  • Food: labelled zip‑locks or tubs; include “AM/PM” and amount.
  • Treats: small, high‑value rewards; 1 long‑lasting chew/night.
  • Supplements/meds: original packets; clear written instructions.
  • Notes: feeding, toileting, quirks, signals, do’s/don’ts.

Tip: Pre‑pack the first night’s meal on top so we can settle in fast with a predictable routine.

The Calm‑First 7‑Day Timeline (Practice → Drop‑Off)

  1. 7 days out: Short practice separations at home; 10–15 minutes with a chew in a different room.
  2. 5 days out: Keep routines boring — normal walks, normal bedtime. Avoid big new exposures.
  3. 3 days out: Pack the bag; add the settle mat during TV time so it smells like home.
  4. Day before: Early evening walk + normal meal; no extra treats that could upset tummies.
  5. Drop‑off day: Unrushed handover; sniff‑around + short decompression walk.

New to us? We start with a quick video trial visit so you can see the space and we can tailor routines.

Arrival & First‑Night Routine at the Woof Club

  • Sniff tour, water, and a short decompression loop.
  • Quiet settle with a lick mat or stuffed Kong.
  • Normal mealtime window; lights‑down earlier than usual for deeper sleep.
  • No forced introductions; we keep things calm and predictable.

Trainer tip: Bring a worn T‑shirt. Familiar scent helps most dogs drop into rest faster that first night.

Feeding, Supplements & Medications During Boarding

  • Use labelled portions with AM/PM and any add‑ins.
  • Tell us about food allergies or intolerances.
  • Med timings: exact clock times or “with meal”.
  • Emergency vet preference + microchip # in your notes.

Safety, Hygiene & Daily Walks (One‑Guest‑Only)

  • One guest only. No multi‑dog boarding dynamics.
  • Daily 45‑minute solo walk (weather‑sensible) on familiar routes.
  • Cleaned gear between guests; dedicated food/water bowls.
  • Escape‑proof harness and double‑check ID on arrival.

What Updates You’ll Receive During a Woof Club Stay

Between trips, our walking memberships keep routines steady — the easiest way to have repeat stays feel pleasantly boring.

Pickup & Aftercare (Decompression Wins)

  • We’ll hand over a quick summary (meals, walks, sleep, notes).
  • Plan a low‑key evening: water, short sniff, light meal, early bed.
  • Skip the dog park the next day — decompression first.

South Melbourne Boarding & Walking Postcodes — Quick Check

We’re based in South Melbourne and regularly host dogs from Albert Park, Middle Park, Port Melbourne and Southbank. Check your postcode:

Keep Calm Between Trips — Walking Memberships

Weekly rhythm beats last‑minute cramming. Our memberships keep dogs in a low‑arousal groove so boarding feels like an easy extension of home.

Starter — 4 walks/month Growth — 10 walks/month Unlimited — Weekdays

Woof Club Boarding — One Guest Only, 7 Nights

Our boutique boarding hosts one guest only for calmer, safer stays, now open seven nights a week. Daily solo walk, cosy home setup, photo updates — and a first‑timer video visit so you can see it all.

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